Madison Ballet Presents Rock the Ballet: A High-Energy Fusion of Dance and Pop Culture

Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is proud to present Rock the Ballet, an electrifying new performance that blends the athleticism of classical ballet with the power and pulse of rock, electronic, jazz and pop music. With only 4 performances this bold and energetic program will premiere at MYARTS Starlight Theater on October 10th 2025 and run through October 12th, inviting audiences to experience ballet like never before.

Featuring World Premier choreography by guest artist Yury Yanowsky and Meredith Rainey along with new productions of “Parallax” by Rehearsal Director Richard Walters and “Rhapsody In Blue” by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik, set to iconic tracks by English rock band RadioHead, Belgian composer Lotic, and other genre-defining artists, Rock the Ballet breaks down traditional boundaries and redefines what ballet can be. With dynamic lighting, contemporary costuming, and a cast of world-class dancers, the performance is a celebration of redefinition, rhythm, rebellion, and artistic innovation.

“Rock the Ballet is about freedom, expression, and connecting with audiences in a fresh and powerful way,” says Artistic Director Ja’ Malik. “It’s dance that moves you, iterally and emotionally, by bringing classical technique to the music that shaped generations.”

In addition to its main-stage performances, Rock the Ballet will feature local innovative piano trio Mr. Chair performing their recomposed George Gershwin classic “Rhapsody in Blue” to the outstanding choreography of Ja’ Malik. Post performance audience Q & A will take place following our opening night performance. 

More than ever, our stage is a space for reflection, representation, and renewal. And our community, you are an essential part of this redefining process. Your curiosity, your support, and your willingness to grow with us are what make this season not just possible, but powerful. We invite you to take your seat, open your heart, and experience the power, passion and precision of ballet, Madison Ballet! – Ja’ Malik, Executive Artistic Director 

RE:IMAGINE ~ Rock The Ballet October 10-12, 2025 Starlight Theater, MYARTS 

This season-opening program invites audiences to reimagine their perceptions of ballet. Too often, ballet is seen as elitist or inaccessible, however at Madison Ballet, we believe ballet is for everyone. Re: Imagine Rock The Ballet breaks down those barriers, blending classical technique with contemporary flair and music not traditionally associated with ballet. The program features world premieres by acclaimed choreographers Meredith Rainey and Yury Yanowsky, a reimagined version of Richard Walters’ Parallax, and the return of audience favorite Rhapsody in Blue by Ja’ Malik, set to the recomposed George Gershwin classic performed live by local piano trio Mr. Chair. 

Join us on opening night for a Post Performance discussion with the creatives behind this rocking program. Join us after every performance for a post show dance party in the lobby of the Starlight Theater.

Ticket & Performance Information 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at MadisonBallet.org or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office 205 State Street or by calling the box office at 608.258.4141

Location: MYARTS Starlight Theater 1055  E Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703.

Show runtime: 1 hour 45minutes with one intermission. Appropriate for ages 8 and up

Ticket Prices: $55-$73 for standard/child and senior tickets. $25 student rush tickets available day of show.

Madison Ballet is proud to be a resident company of the Overture Center for the Performing Arts. 

Madison’s Ballet is committed to evolving ballet into an inclusive art form that reflects the diversity of our world, ensuring representation both on stage and behind the scenes. We are particularly dedicated to fostering new voices in ballet, especially from marginalized communities, and are committed to creating new works that reflect these diverse perspectives. Through this, we aim to broaden the horizons of ballet and ensure it remains a vibrant and relevant art form for future generations. 

Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for ballet and make this beautiful art form accessible to all. We are dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of dancers, artists, and professionals. This is achieved through the dynamic performances of the Madison Ballet Company, the comprehensive education provided by the School of Madison Ballet, and extensive outreach efforts in partnership with community groups.

Old National Gears Up for 4th Annual “Better Together Days”

ONB team members will serve organizations throughout nine states

Madison, Wisconsin — Old National Bank is proud to announce the return of its community-focused Better Together Days, taking place September 17-18, 2025. Now in its fourth year, this event brings together team members across Old National’s nine-state footprint to give back to the communities where they live and work. This annual event reflects Old National’s deep commitment to service and community impact. And for team members who cannot participate in person there are virtual volunteer opportunities to ensure everyone can contribute.

In 2024, 66% of Old National’s Wisconsin employees volunteered during Better Together Days and Old National Bank employees logged 67,703 volunteer hours across the bank’s nine-state footprint.

“Over the last four years, Old National Bank Better Together Days volunteers in Madison have focused on supporting local community centers, underserved populations and food insecurity. Our employee-led community teams collaborate with non-profits where they learn about local issues and while making a positive impact in their own back yard,” said Traci Mann, Madison Market President.

Old National team members will volunteer at:

• Badger Prairie Needs Network, working in the food pantry (Sept 17)
• East Madison Community Center, cleaning windows, doing garden clean-up and working in the food
  pantry (Sept 17 & 18)
• Forward Gardens, helping harvest food (Sept 18)

ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
Old National Bancorp is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the sixth largest commercial bank
headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $71 billion of assets and $38 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States.

Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services.

For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2025, Points
of Light named Old National one of “The Civic 50” – an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

Oak Bank’s Pumpkin Give Away Grows Community Connections

For nearly 25 years, Oak Bank has transformed October into a month of giving, community connection and fall tradition through their annual Pumpkin Give Away. What began in October 2000 as a simple gesture of appreciation has blossomed into a beloved Dane County event, with Oak Bank distributing an estimated 30,000 pumpkins and raising nearly $50,000 for local nonprofits along the way.

This year’s event promises all the excitement families have come to expect: tractor-pulled wagon rides, a bounce house, face painting, balloon twisters, spin-the-wheel prizes and more. Special guests Bucky Badger and Maynard the Mallard will be on hand to delight children, while the first 600 attendees receive special treat bags. Most importantly, families will be able to select from pumpkins of all varieties – from traditional carving pumpkins to pie pumpkins and specialty ones in bumpy greens and whites.

But the Pumpkin Give Away represents something deeper than seasonal fun. Each year, Oak Bank selects a local nonprofit to benefit from donations collected during the event, creating meaningful impact beyond the festivities. This year’s beneficiary, Meadowood Health Partnership (MHP), offers vital mental health services including counseling, support groups and educational workshops, addressing disparities experienced by Meadowood community residents. MHP’s mission is to strengthen families, promote literacy and provide neighborhood-based healthcare, aligning perfectly with Oak Bank’s community-first values.

Previous beneficiaries have included a diverse range of local organizations: Underdog Pet Rescue, Heartland Farm Sanctuary, Madison Reading Project, Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, Access Community Health Centers, Dane County Humane Society and many others. Beyond monetary donations, these organizations consistently report increased awareness and new volunteers due to their association with the event.

The Pumpkin Give Away also demonstrates Oak Bank’s remarkable associate engagement. Most of the team participate in some capacity: from organizing treat bags and unloading pumpkins at 6 AM to staffing activity stations throughout the day. This “all-hands-on-deck” approach demonstrates the genuine commitment behind Oak Bank’s community involvement.

“The Pumpkin Give Away has become more than just a fall tradition – it’s a reflection of who we are as a bank and as members of this community,” says Bob Gorsuch, Executive Chairman & Founder. “Since 2000, this event has been about giving back to the people who have supported Oak Bank from day one. We’re rooted in Dane County, and this is one way we continue to grow alongside it – by lifting up local nonprofits like Meadowood Health Partnership, who provide vital services that strengthen our community every day. Supporting these organizations is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute — because when they thrive, our entire community benefits. It reminds me why we built Oak Bank in the first place: to be part of something bigger than banking.”

Terry Taylor, President & CEO, emphasizes the event’s broader significance: “What makes the Pumpkin Give Away special isn’t just the pumpkins or the wagon rides – it’s the community spirit behind it. Our team goes all in every year because this event reflects our core values: service, connection and compassion. We’re proud to support organizations like Meadowood Health Partnership, and proud to be a part of an event that has become a fall tradition for so many Dane County families. Personally, it’s one of my favorite days of the year. Seeing our associates, their families, our clients and neighbors all working and celebrating side by side – it’s energizing and humbling. It’s a day that reminds me how powerful simple acts of kindness and togetherness can be.”

Those sentiments mirror Oak Bank’s lasting community commitment, which extends year-round. Associates are given time off to do volunteer work, and also participate in Red Cross blood drives, Badger Prairie Needs Network and Share Your Holidays Second Harvest food drives, Aldo Leopold school supply drives, and support dozens of local organizations spanning education, healthcare, animal welfare and youth programs.

For many families, the Pumpkin Give Away has become a cherished fall tradition, with children who once selected pumpkins now returning with their own families. This generational continuity speaks to the event’s authentic place in the community fabric and Oak Bank’s enduring commitment to Dane County.

Oak Bank’s Pumpkin Give Away takes place Saturday, October 4th, 9 am – noon. For event details, visit oak.bank/about-us/pumpkin-giveaway.

MMSD Unveils New, Aspirational Brand Identity, Inspired by Community Voices

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) today unveiled a new brand identity that reflects the district’s values and aims to strengthen recognition across the community and position Madison as a destination school district.

The brand launch introduces MMSD’s first districtwide logo designed with a clear strategy and marketing lens. The logo was shaped by feedback from students, families, staff, community leaders and the Board of Education.

“An organization of our size and importance in the community needs a unifying symbol that builds recognition, fosters pride and supports our mission to prepare every student for success,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “This new identity is more than a logo. It’s a visual representation of our collective values, our vision for the future and the strong connections that make Madison unique.”

The logo’s design elements represent core aspects of MMSD and the city it serves:

• A bold “M” stands for Madison, emphasizing the city as the heart of the district’s identity.
• A central book symbolizes knowledge, growth, inspiration and literacy as the foundation of learning.
• Pillars underscore strength, stability and unwavering support for students.
• The Capitol dome and skyline honor Madison’s iconic setting and the pride shared across the community.

“MMSD has never truly had its own unified logo identity,” said Edell Fiedler, MMSD’s senior executive director of communications. “Past logos were donated or created without a comprehensive strategy. This process gave us, for the first time, a purpose-built identity that reflects both who we are and where we’re going.”

“This new brand identity reflects the collective pride we share in our schools and our city,” said Nichelle Nichols, president of the MMSD Board of Education. “It’s a symbol of our commitment to every student and of Madison’s strong tradition of public education. We’re excited to see it unite our community as we look to the future.”

The rebranding effort began in March 2025 and included surveys, roundtables and interviews to gather input from students, families, staff, partners and leadership. 

“This is a visual identity that honors our history while boldly looking forward,” Superintendent Gothard said. “It belongs to our entire community, and it represents the strength, pride and promise of public education in Madison.”

The district expects full implementation across facilities, communications and signage over the next year.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Eric Lindaas Brings 27 Years of Experience to Expand raSmith’s Madison Survey Team

MADISON, Wis. — Eric Lindaas, P.L.S., has joined raSmith as a senior project manager in the survey division at the firm’s Madison, Wis., office. Lindaas brings over 27 years of survey experience including Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) right-of-way plats and construction projects, local/county surveys, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, hydrographic surveys, topography maps, easements, and subdivision platting. raSmith’s Madison office continues to grow its portfolio of clients and projects, creating an opportunity to add more staff to the team.

Lindaas is an FAA-certified UAS pilot, performing drone LiDAR and photogrammetry mapping and processing to complement his land surveying skill set. In addition to field surveying, Lindaas has extensive experience with office management. He has supervised and trained survey crews, provided technical quality assurance/quality control, and collaborated with multi-discipline teams to successfully complete a variety of projects.

“Eric’s deep experience with WisDOT and local government make him a perfect fit for our growing Madison survey team,” said Eric Sturm, P.L.S., raSmith director of survey services. “With Eric’s expertise and leadership, we are better positioned to serve clients in Dane County and the surrounding areas.”

Lindaas is a professional surveyor licensed in Wisconsin. He holds an associate degree in civil engineering
technology from Madison Area Technical College.

raSmith’s survey team in Madison is part of one of the largest land surveying groups in the Midwest. With a total of 35 survey professionals, raSmith operates 13 field crews across Wisconsin and includes 12 licensed surveyors, eight project managers, seven certified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pilots, and one certified floodplain surveyor (CFS).

About raSmith
raSmith is a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm established in the city of Brookfield, Wisconsin, in 1978. Our services include civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation and traffic, land surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), development management, landscape architecture, ecological services, construction services, LiDAR (3D laser scanning), and UAS (unmanned aircraft systems). We work on projects nationwide from our six locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. The firm employs a staff of 220. For more information about raSmith, visit www.rasmith.com.